Showing posts with label reader mail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reader mail. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Reader mailbag: Should we receive a rent abatement for having sporadic heat and hot water?



From the EVG reader mailbag (which I had to pick up at the F.D.R. Station at East 54th Street and Third Avenue):

My roommate and I pay a small fortune for our East Village walk-up. Unfortunately, the boiler in our building breaks down with great frequency, leaving us with no heat or hot water for 24 hour periods of time, every two weeks. Our super is unavailable, and when I call my landlord he refuses to give us a rent abatement. Is there anything else we can do?

Anyone? (Preferred answers do not include "If you want heat and hot water, then move to...")

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We often get reader queries ... asking for help with, say, donating clothes or books ... or finding an East Village-based caterer... If you have a question for the masses, then try the EV Grieve email...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader mailbag: Places to eat that have that old East Village vibe (45 comments)

Reader mailbag: What do I do about my new neighbors who smoke pot all the time? (52 comments)

Reader mailbag: Where is a good place to get a cup of coffee in the East Village before 6 a.m.? (25 comments)

Reader mailbag: What has happened to the Cooper Station Post Office? (41 comments)

Reader mailbag: Can the landlord 'drill' the lock to gain access to my apartment for simple repairs? (15 comments)

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Reader mailbag: Can the landlord 'drill' the lock to gain access to my apartment for simple repairs?

An EVG reader shared a note from his landlord ("not one of the usual suspects") about repairs taking place to the building's intercom ... Seems fairly routine, but the workers need access to each apartment... per the note, the residents must either be at home or leave their keys with the super... if not ...



... "we will be forced to drill your lock and provide you with new keys" ... presumably to the new locks that will magically appear after being drilled off...

The reader asks, Is this legal? (And for the record, the reader says the landlord/management company is generally cool.)

Seems kinda extreme? (And yes, looking forward to the inevitable, "If you don't want the landlord drilling off your lock, then buy your own apartment/building" comment.)

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We often get reader queries ... asking for help with, say, donating clothes or books ... or finding an East Village-based caterer... If you have a question for the masses, then try the EV Grieve email...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader mailbag: Places to eat that have that old East Village vibe (45 comments)

Reader mailbag: What do I do about my new neighbors who smoke pot all the time? (52 comments)

Reader mailbag: Where is a good place to get a cup of coffee in the East Village before 6 a.m.? (25 comments)

Reader mailbag: What has happened to the Cooper Station Post Office? (41 comments)

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Reader mailbag: Any suggestions for a low-key place to watch the Super Bowl?

Another straightforward question. So maybe your apartment? Haha. Kidding! Well, the Big Game is coming up Sunday as you may have heard. (Make the hype stop! Please!)

So! Anyone with a suggestion for someplace low-key in the East Village to watch the game? (Please no blatant shilling or answers like "football sucks. Read a book.") As for us, we'll be watching it at the International!

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We often get reader queries ... asking for help with, say, donating clothes or books ... or finding an East Village-based caterer... If you have a question for the masses, then try the EV Grieve email...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader mailbag: Places to eat that have that old East Village vibe (45 comments)

Reader mailbag: What do I do about my new neighbors who smoke pot all the time? (52 comments)

Reader mailbag: Where is a good place to get a cup of coffee in the East Village before 6 a.m.? (25 comments)

Reader report: Beware now turning right on East 14th Street and Fourth Avenue

A note from an EVG reader...

It appears the City made it illegal to turn right on 14th Street and 4th Avenue/Union Square East (the corner in near Beth Israel). The NYPD has a cop stationed ticketing everyone dropping off patients — everyone from Access-A-Ride, to cabs, to residents like myself who are clueless about the updated traffic measure. 
The cop didn't leave us with a warning, instead gifted us a $135 ticket.

I'm writing you to hopefully warn other folks to they don't have to help this guy make his quota.

The reader later took a walk to see if there were any signs noting this new traffic rule...


There is a No Left Turn sign, which the reader notes is sort of obvious since traffic goes north along 4th Avenue/Union Square East. Otherwise, there aren't any other signs indicating No Right Turns between 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Reader mailbag: Has the city cited you for having gas meters in the hallway?

A member of an East Seventh Street co-op board writes:

We got cited recently by the NYC Environmental Control Board for having some of our gas meters in the common hallways ... contrary to a code augmentation memo dating from 1975. We are trying to argue that we are grandfathered to get around the big expenses of moving meters into apartments or the basement ... we've also heard a rumor that many other buildings in the neighborhood are getting hit. This violation is currently causing us grief in renewing our insurance, and could cost us many thousands to cure, so we want to try and band together if there are others in our situation.

So… Any other co-op members have information to share? Have you been cited by the ECB? Have you successfully navigated moving the meters?

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We often get reader queries ... asking for help with, say, donating clothes or books ... or finding an East Village-based caterer... If you have a question for the masses, then try the EV Grieve email...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader mailbag: Places to eat that have that old East Village vibe (45 comments)

Reader mailbag: What do I do about my new neighbors who smoke pot all the time? (52 comments)

Reader mailbag: Where is a good place to get a cup of coffee in the East Village before 6 a.m.? (25 comments)

Reader mailbag: Do you have any suggestions for East Village-related holiday gifts? (22 comments)

Friday, December 6, 2013

Reader mailbag: Do you have any suggestions for East Village-related holiday gifts?

Pretty straightforward question.

But there are many variables or something. Like! Who the gift is for. Do they live here now? Did they used to live here and are a little nostalgic? Blah blah. (In the reader's case, the gift is for his girlfriend who he shares an apartment with…)

I suggested buying a print from the Museum of the City of New York's archives. As an example. Here is the view to the northwest from the roof of the Christodora House on Avenue B and East Ninth Street circa Feb. 5, 1929.

[From the Collections of the Museum of the City of New York]

There are also a few cool things for sale (T-shirts, books, zines, etc.) at the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS) at 155 Avenue C between East Ninth Street and East 10th Street.

The reader was interested in hearing suggestions from other readers… which might be a really bad idea. Kidding! So does anyone have a suggestion that isn't related to Hoboken hoofs/hooves or isn't blatant Yelp-like shilling for a particular store? (It's OK to name a store, as long as you don't seem spammy or public relationsy about it.)

And sadly, because someone will ask, all the items from the 2010 EV Grieve Last-Minute Gift Guide are thankfully sold out…



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We often get reader queries ... asking for help with, say, donating clothes or books ... or finding an East Village-based caterer... If you have a question for the masses, then try the EV Grieve email...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader mailbag: Places to eat that have that old East Village vibe (45 comments)

Reader mailbag: What do I do about my new neighbors who smoke pot all the time? (52 comments)

Reader mailbag: Where is a good place to get a cup of coffee in the East Village before 6 a.m.? (25 comments)

Friday, November 15, 2013

Reader mailbag: Where is a good place to get a cup of coffee in the East Village before 6 a.m.?

[Free ad for the EVG favorite the Stage]

OK, technically it was a Twitter mailbag… as the question came via a tweet… Anyway!

Can we talk about how hard it is to find a cup of coffee in the East Village before 6 am? Any recommendations for 24-hour spots?

Well, many of the coffee places (whatever you might like — 9th Street Espresso, Mud, The Bean, Think, Everyman, Third Rail, B Cup, Ost, etc., etc.) tend to open at 7 a.m. and beyond.

So. Quickly. Rays's Candy Store, Gem Spa, Sunny & Annie's…

How about it? (Unacceptable answers include 7-Eleven and "Make it at home your self lazyass.") We know that people don't seem to be too opinionated about coffee and coffee shops, right? Don't be too shy!

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We often get reader queries ... asking for help with, say, donating clothes or books ... or finding an East Village-based caterer... If you have a question for the masses, then try the EV Grieve email...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader mailbag: Places to eat that have that old East Village vibe (45 comments)

Reader mailbag: What do I do about my new neighbors who smoke pot all the time? (52 comments)

Monday, March 18, 2013

Resident asks, What can I do about those 2 dogs left outside all day on 7th Street?

A note from a reader:

"I live next door to Cafe 81 on 7th Street and lately there have been two dogs left outside all day inside the fenced in area. They bark all day long. They're small dogs, but they're very loud and annoying. Sometimes a woman comes out of the building and gives them food and water, but mostly they're just out there alone. I've called 311 a few times, but nothing has changed. It's bad for the neighbors trying to get some peace and it's bad for these poor dogs. E.V. Grieve, can you and your readers please do something!!!"

The reader followed up later yesterday.

"An angry woman screamed out the window to Shut those dogs up! And someone came out and took the dogs in. Hopefully for good!"

Given the location, I'm surprised that no one has thrown a shamwow at the dogs.

Also, Cafe 81 has been closed now for months, as noted previously...

Previously on EV Grieve:
At Cafe 81, you'd better be quiet or someone will throw a shamwow at you

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Reader mailbag

"Anyone know what that awful, loud and incessant noise that sounded like something was going to explode last night (3 AM ish) around First Avenue between Ninth and 10th Streets was?"

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Reader looking for an East Village charity to make clothing donation


From the EV Grieve inbox...

"Do you know any East Village charities, for seniors preferably, who are in need of good-quality clothing donations? I have bags of stuff I've never had on my back that need to be liberated from my closet: I thought I would try to donate outside the usual places I give to, like Housing Works and Salvation Army...and especially in the neighborhood."


Any (serious) suggestions?

Friday, June 4, 2010

New Simone GM offers an apology



Back on April 9, we relayed a story from a reader about an unpleasant experience at Simone on First Avenue at St. Mark's Place.... Basically, the reader and a friend were ready to enjoy a quiet meal early one weekday night ... the music got louder... staff wouldn't turn down the music... when the diners cancelled their order, a Simone staffer called the cops... and the reader was charged twice on the credit card for a meal he or she never received...

So!

Yesterday, I received the following not from Simone:

Hi Ms Grieve,
I'm getting in touch with you in regards to the awful experience you had at Simone Martini Bar & Cafe. I am the new General Manager there and, upon taking the position, the owner and I took the time to check Simone's reviews. We had no knowledge whatsoever of this incident before we read about it and we where shocked and appalled. The situation was handled extremely poorly and we would love to redeem ourselves. We understand that you probably have no desire to ever step in Simone again but we would really like to make the effort to make things up to you in some way.


I appreciate the note (though, as I responded to the GM, this incident didn't happen to me) ... and this is all in keeping with bars/restaurants trying much harder to be better neighbors... (Read more on that theory here.)

Anyway, I passed this note along to the reader, who is still dealing with the credit card investigation... the reader also appreciated hearing from the GM... then later sent a pointed response discussing customer service... and that bars/restaurants "are not a place for staff to hang out and play the music of their choice."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader mailbag: Cops called after a sandwich order is cancelled

[Image via New York]

Friday, May 21, 2010

From the inbox today: a giant square block of concrete on Avenue A; woman in bathrobe handcuffed on Houston

Do you have any idea why there is a giant square block of concrete sitting at Ave A and 2nd Street?


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Any word on what happened on Houston between A and 1st this morning around 830? I was walking to Essex st station and as I crossed Houston there were six cop cars on either side of the median. There was a woman who appeared to be handcuffed in a bathrobe, a loose dog, and dozens of onlookers. I figured it must be a big deal as cops were driving west on the east-bound side of Houston, which I rarely see.


Anyone?

And, as always, thank you for the tips, questions, etc.!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Reader mailbag: Cops called after a sandwich order is cancelled



The following is an e-mail from an EV Grieve reader...from an outing at Simone at First Avenue and St. Mark's...

"I had a very unpleasant incident at Simone earlier today when I went with a friend for a snack. When we went there it was a nice quiet place and we placed our order. Soon after our soup came the lights went down and the (what they called) music got very loud. When we were unable to get them to keep the volume down we went to leave, did not want to pay for a cancelled sandwich order (that we did not take with us).

They called the police. Long story short, I called to cancel my credit card charge and I was advised that TWO charges (in the same amount but NOT in the amount of my receipt) had been billed to my card."


I responded, they called the cops? Were you still there?

"We were there when the cops came. How could we leave? The cops were not any help. Even though we did not take the sandwich with us they said we had to call the [Better Business Bureau] and take [Simone] to Small Claims Court."


[Image via New York]

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

STILL no need to thank me (and book your rooms by FEBRUARY 31!)


From the EV Grieve in-box... You may recall this offer the first time around last November...

Hello E.V. The exclusive offer for a complimentary night for you and your readers at The Surrey Hotel is nearing a close! The Surrey is one of the newest and most artistically robust hotels to debut in NYC in recent years, The Surrey. The hotel debuted on November 12 in Manhattan's most exclusive neighborhood, the Upper East Side, and it premiered with an extensive art collection—including works by Jenny Holzer, Jimmie Martin, Richard Serra, Donald Sultan and William Kentridge—and 3-star, in-room dining by Cafe Boulud.

Built in Beaux-Arts architectural design, The Surrey has just concluded a $60+ million dollar re-creation by renowned architectural and interior designer Lauren Rottet, FAIA, IIDA. Beaux-Arts/Art Deco custom-designed furnishings and fixtures fill the walls of this 1900s structure with pieces such as hand-painted armoires and ornate walnut cabinetry. Sprinkled throughout the 17 floors, guests also encounter captivating black & white photos of New York and unexpected graffitied pieces.

The Surrey features 190 salons, including 30 suites, a Penthouse and a Presidential suite, that range from 350 to 4,500 square feet. At the heart of all salons and suites is the handcrafted DUX bed by Duxiana, engineered for perfect support, and dressed in Sferra bedding.

As an introductory package for your readers, are pleased to present you with a complimentary room when reserving a minimum of two-night stay. To reserve your room at The Surrey simply click and use the Promotional Code: SOCGO at check out. This offer is valid for stays starting November 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010 and must be booked by February 31, 2010 with rates starting at $549 per night.


Feb. 31? I think they're fucking with us...

Previously on EV Grieve:
No need to thank me

Thursday, November 19, 2009

No need to thank me


From the EV Grieve inbox:

Hello E.V.,

As a travel blogger, we would like to introduce you and your readers to one of the newest and most artistically robust hotels to debut in NYC in recent years, The Surrey. The hotel debuted on November 12 in Manhattan's most exclusive neighborhood, the Upper East Side, and it premiered with an extensive art collection — including works by Jenny Holzer, Jimmie Martin, Richard Serra, Donald Sultan and William Kentridge — and 3-star, in-room dining by Cafe Boulud.

Built in Beaux-Arts architectural design, The Surrey has just concluded a $60+ million dollar re-creation by renowned architectural and interior designer Lauren Rottet, FAIA, IIDA. Beaux-Arts/Art Deco custom-designed furnishings and fixtures fill the walls of this 1900s structure with pieces such as hand-painted armoires and ornate walnut cabinetry. Sprinkled throughout the 17 floors, guests also encounter captivating black & white photos of New York and unexpected graffitied pieces.

The Surrey features 190 salons, including 30 suites, a Penthouse and a Presidential suite, that range from 350 to 4,500 square feet. At the heart of all salons and suites is the handcrafted DUX bed by Duxiana, engineered for perfect support, and dressed in Sferra bedding.

As an introductory package for your readers at EV Greive, we would like to offer a special Intro Package that includes a complimentary room upgrade, a welcome gift, breakfast for two, and much more. For more information please visit http://www.thesurrey.com/Introductory.

Friday, October 30, 2009


From the EV Grieve in-box:

Will you be live blogging the NYC marathon Sunday?

Friday, June 12, 2009

From the EV Grieve Reader Mailbox

Hey,
Hope you are doing well, am from Africa. i read your story about the ATM SKIMMER. am here looking for it with a wireless camera. i want to buy it. do you have it or can you link me to those people who can sell those gadgets to me?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Julius